Hasta La Ideas

SH – So when did this all start?

Sophie – It all came into being about a year ago, right here in Venice, CA.

SH – What gave you the idea to start a jewelry line?

Sophie – My dad is a sculptor so he had the tools and wood around and it sparked an interest. I’ve always loved finding really unique pieces at flea markets and thrift shopping so it seemed a logical next step for me to try to make pieces for myself.

SH – So it’s in the genes! Have you always had a interest in making jewelry?

Sophie – When I was younger, my friends and I would make little accessories like hair pieces and such by using a hot glue gun and buttons and bobby pins. I studied Fine Arts and have always loved crafts so I combined the elements. It was kind of a light bulb moment when I decided to use wood to make jewelry.

SH – Well, they’re really gorgeous. So some scrap wood started it all?

Sophie – Well, like I had mentioned, there was scrap wood around when I was younger and just for fun, I’d glue pieces together to make whatever. Nothing sometimes. (laughs) My first jewelry idea was a necklace and I just experimented through trial and error from there. I’ve tried metal and plexi-glass, but wood looked the most unique and sophisticated. I slowly incorporated stones, metal details and gold leaf.

SH – So where can we, and our Hivers, find Sophie Monet pieces?

Sophie – There’s quite a few places here in L.A., as well as Florida, Vancouver and Oakland in stores like Fred Segal, Only Hearts and In Residence. You can also find them online at PlanetBlue.com and SophieMonetJewelry.com

SH – Wow! Nice! And I’m sure our readers would like to know. How often do you make new pieces and what can we look forward to from Sophie Monet?

Sophie – Whenever I’m inspired by a shape or a feel, I go to the studio. I have a new design about once a month and produce a new collection of about 6 – 8 pieces about twice a year. I’m really into bracelets and cuffs right now. One of my favorite ideas are a few cuff bracelets that I have in the works. I’ll be using a lot more turquoise and quartz crystals, of course, but I’m also looking to incorporate more amethyst and onyx.

SH – Sounds gorgeous! We can’t wait!

Check out some fave Sophie Monet pieces by clicking on the slideshow!

Dresses and silhouettes that celebrated a woman’s shape and curves were detailed with mandarin collars, thigh-high slits and bold color blocking. Jumpsuits and one pieces featured plunging necklines, metallic shimmer and colorful blocking, with voluminous, billowing fabric and cinched waists all around.

With the Asian-inspired influence, colorful animal and floral prints and sophisticated sensuality, the entire collection was reminiscent of a nonchalantly luxurious and fashion forward Shanghai from it’s hey-day as the Paris of the Orient. Take a look at some of our favorite pieces from the Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 runway collection by clicking on the slideshow!

So while the Chanel Couture show deserves much praise, the Resort Collection for 2011 is getting mixed reviews. Mostly because the collection itself is a huge mix bag of hits and misses. The extensive collection was featured outside with the hottest ‘it’ models, including Karolina Kurkova and Abbey Lee Kershaw, barefoot and relaxed. The runway theme suited the resort feel perfectly, but the over-all theme of the collection was lost. A literal take on styles that were part Karate Kid, part 70s flashback and with a healthy dose of pajama-esque pieces and Western-inspired garb, the resort collection sent down one confusing look after the other.

Of course, being Chanel, the ‘hits’ were amazing and covetable, with sassy swimwear, ethereal beach dresses and the labels signature tweed fabrication used in a range of luxurious, vacation-ready looks. Although there was no obvious color scheme, the palette was bright, sophisticated and perfect for spring. However, the misses far out-weighed the hits and one has to wonder, did creative genius, Karl Lagerfeld, have his wig on a little too tight?
Click the slideshow to see our fave picks of the 2011 Resort Collection for Chanel!